“Good answer.” He kissed me on the top of my head. “Don’t move. Don’t talk to anyone. Don’t look at any pictures. Just be my girlfriend for one night, okay?”
“You know you love me the way I am. Curious, insightful, with mad investigating skills.” I smiled but got a hard look in return. “Fine, you’re looking at just Jill tonight.”
By the time Greg returned with my beer, Darla had started rounding up the first act players. I waved at Amy and Justin, who stood in the front, ready to go backstage. Justin didn’t see me, his gaze darting around the room, never sticking at one place. I saw Amy put a comforting hand on his arm and he visibly sighed and looked down at her.
“Poor Justin.” My words were soft, but Greg, who stood by my side, answered.
He put his arm around my waist. “Some people have never had to deal with the reality of death before. From what I hear, even Justin’s grandparents are still alive and working on that farm in Missouri.”
“He had to have pets that have passed.” I worried about Amy and how heavy the stress of Justin’s emotions weighed on her.
“Animals are different. Justin’s a strong guy; he’ll get through this.” Greg pulled me into a quick hug. “You ready for your stage debut?”
“Actually, I’m experienced.” I stared up into Greg’s baby blue eyes and for a second, forgot what I was saying. “You’re looking at the star of the Liberty High School production of Our Town.”
“I’m surprised Darla didn’t give you a bigger part, knowing you were a celebrity and all.”
I fluffed my hair. “Seriously, she doesn’t know what she passed up.”
The lights dimmed, and the curtains pulled back. For one second, I held my breath, hoping a body wasn’t lying in the middle of the stage. I saw Justin and Amy enter the scene, and after a brief hesitation, Justin delivered his line: “Lovely night for a stroll.”
An hour later, with practice done, the beer flowed with the conversation. Justin and Amy had joined us at our table, and the hesitancy had vanished from the surfing professor. When Greg and Justin left to get more drinks, I turned to my friend, who had sunk back into her chair.
“He’s normal again.” I nodded to the men’s backs as they made their way through the crowd.
Amy’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I had to drag him here, but now, it’s like this is what he needed. You know how sometimes a disc gets stuck and plays the same thing, over and over? It’s like he was in a loop and this knocked him out.”
“I told you to give him some time. Why don’t you suggest surfing this Sunday?” I sipped on my longneck. “I have to cancel our breakfast anyway.”
Amy nodded. “That’s a great idea. Wait, why are you canceling? The investigation isn’t complete, is it? Are you guys heading out for the weekend?”
“I wish. No, Jim invited us on a fishing expedition. If I wind up as shark bait, you know who to blame.”
“I didn’t think you and Jim got along.” Amy knew all about my hesitations about Greg’s brother. “This is a good sign.”
“I think Greg told him I was coming. I’m pretty sure Jim didn’t suggest bringing a girl along on a fishing trip.” If I knew anything about Greg’s brother, he was traditional in his view of the sexes. Women stayed home and tended the fires while men went out hunting for food. “I would have backed out, except I know it’s going to mess with Jim’s head that I’m there.”
“You’d rather spend a day being miserable fishing than let the guy win one?”
I saw Greg and Justin heading back to the table, so I answered quickly, “You got it, sister.”
“You’re evil, you know that?” Amy stretched an arm in front of herself.
“You’re just now figuring that out?” Greg handed me a bottle and scooted his chair closer to me. “What were you girls talking about? Or do you want me to guess?”
I poked him in the side with my finger. “It’s not what you think. We were actually talking about Aunt Jackie and Josh.”
Amy choked on the sip of beer she’d just taken.
“And you are a terrible liar.” Greg covered his side with a hand, faking a pain. “Now, no more hitting. I might have to call Toby and have him take you in.”
“Pansy.” I took a sip of my own beer, making eye contact with Amy, who rolled her eyes at me. I scanned the room. It was slowly emptying, as most people, including me, had an early wake-up call for tomorrow. “You really think we’re ready for prime time?”
“As long as they serve plenty of alcohol before, during, and after.” Justin held up his beer. “To the audience as well as the cast members.”
“Anything for charity,” Greg muttered. I leaned into his shoulder. “The next time you try to talk me into something like this, I’m holding out for a weeklong hunting trip with the boys. You deer-hunt, Justin?”